Page 29 of Tempted to Love You
I had no idea how much joy I would feel just by agreeing to become Rakai’s wife. I have been rocking Rakai’s ring with twinkles in my eyes and merriment in my heart. If the effects of saying yes could be measured in my countenance and behavior, the news station could run a docuseries on it. I have been smiling to the point of pain in my cheeks and facial bones, yet I’m experiencing a high like none I’ve ever known.
“Earth to Latia. What the hell are you doing over there?” Keisha’s voice snaps me out of the dreamlike state I’m in.
“Girl, I’m thinking about my man.”
Grumbles and complaining echo through the receiver, causing me to giggle like a two year old.
“Since you’ve shot down my desire to marry into Rakai’s family, I think you should let me accompany you this weekend. At this point, I’m willing to settle for one of your distant cousins.”
“Wow. Thanks. Too bad it’s past the date for adding in desperate hos with audacity the size of Jupiter.”
“Girl, please. I would love to be a ho, but somewhere between the lame I was with and now, my pussy has lost its elasticity. Nobody talks about what happens when you stop using that muscle. Hell, your next story should be about me... women with desert twats and the men who help them. I’m a case study waiting to happen.”
Laughter shoots from my mouth, causing me to drop the bathing suit I was folding to add to my suitcase.
“You are a mess, bestie. I hate to laugh and run, but I promised Rakai I would be packed and ready when he came back.”
“Fine. Keep me in mind, though. If one of your?—”
“Bye, boo. I’ll talk to you when I get back.”
Cutting Keisha off is necessary, or I will be tied up with her for another ten to fifteen minutes.
This weekend is my family reunion, so Rakai and I will be driving to South Carolina, and I can’t wait. The senior Crawfords will be joining us because, like Rakai, my family adores them. Unlike most couples, Rakai and I opted to have a small, intimate ceremony with just our parents in his backyard. Then we had an old-fashioned cookout where our families got a chance to celebrate our nuptials. After that evening, I’m not sure who my family loves more, Rakai or his parents.
My mom and dad made a point to invite the Crawfords to our family reunion, so the four of them are traveling together. Thanks to a last-minute work thing Rakai had to attend, we will have the luxury of arriving separately. Our parents left early this morning, before the birds even started chirping, so I’m glad I’m not in a caravan with them. While the reunion is full of things for the family to embark upon, Rakai and I are staying twoadditional days for a late honeymoon. It’s going to be a great time.
“Crap.”
Hearing the door close and heavy footsteps climbing the steps, I know time has gotten away from me because Rakai is home.
“You’re not packed yet, mama. What have you been doing?” Rakai walks toward me, gently kissing my lips before giving me an inquisitive stare.
“I would have been if Keisha hadn’t called and distracted me. I’m almost done. Give me five minutes.”
Smirking, Rakai leans in and kisses me again before leaving the room without another word. Smiling, I quickly fold the bathing suit and place it in the suitcase before moving on to the other items I will need. While most are of the mindset of “happy wife, happy life,” I’m a wife who also believes in ensuring I do whatever is necessary to keep my husband happy. Even something minor like this, because I could have been ready to go if I hadn’t been daydreaming and entertaining Keisha.
“Tell me how you found the chocolate kiss and married in less than a year, cuz. You went from showing up at the reunion two years ago to somebody’s wife. I want a hus... band, too.” My cousin, Genesis, smirks after dramatically sayinghusband, causing me to giggle at her antics.
Most of my family has been coming up to me surprised by my newlywed status, and I completely understand.
“Listen, I met that man at the right time. Our introduction literally saved my life, but his love healed places within me I didn’t know were broken.”
“Okay. Breaking up with your trash-ass ex led to your blessing, so I ain’t mad at you. Your husband is all in from the lingering touches and constant eye contact. Y’all aren’t goals because that man could be stomping a mudhole in you every night. Yet, you give me hope that love is possible.”
My face contorts before I laugh hysterically, taking a couple of minutes to get myself together so I can respond.
“Not you accusing my man of beating my ass while praising our love at the same time. You’re hell, cousin. Trust me. The only thing that man is capable of stomping is his name on my?—”
“Sorry to interrupt, mama.”
Damn, Rakai. Your timing is horrible.
“Touche, cuz.” Genesis winks while fluttering her fingers and walking away.
“My name has been ingrained on your honeypot from the first day I gained access to that melting pot,” Rakai recites, letting me know he heard the last statement I was preparing to make.
“Okay.” Lifting my right hand, I grin while waiting for Rakai to high-five me because I have nothing else to add. The truth will always set a person free.
